Monday, December 5, 2016

Since 2011, the AVI Choice Awards have
highlighted the immense talent of content creators from all genres in Second
Life. Originally conceived by Nikki Mathieson as a way to boost traffic for the
very first Relay For Life of Second Life ‘Christmas Expo’, the awards quickly
gained recognition and momentum as an important cultural event of their own. The
Avi Choice Awards have continued, on its own since 2011, but it has always
supported Relay For Life as its charity. Since 2011, nearly 1.2 million votes
have been cast for nearly 7,000 nominees and the associated websites have had
800,000 hits. This year alone, there were more than 249,000 votes cast across
98 categories – impressive statistics indeed. In addition, the AVI stage has
been an opportunity to educate and bring awareness to guests and audiences
about the incredible work The American Cancer Society has done - and continues
to do - in the fight against cancer.

Photos: Austin Novaland

On Sunday 4 December, the very last AVI
Choice Awards took place in front of a packed auditorium.The votes had been counted,
the crew and performers were assembled and the audience were dressed in their
finest couture ready to hear the nominees and winners. Backstage, I asked Nikki
Mathieson just why she felt the awards were so important for creators. “I hope
that creators have considered them important,” she said, as she prepared to
raise the red velvet theatre curtains. “I've heard, over the years, that they are
considered to be…and that's definitely important to me. Second Life is a
unique virtual world in that so much of the great in it is created by its own
users. Each creator makes our world better. They share a part of
them with us, their imaginations and talents and the Awards are important
because it gives us the opportunity to let them know that we recognize
their abilities and appreciate them.”

Photos: Austin Novaland

The awards got off to a dazzling start thanks
to an outstanding performance by singer, Savannah Rain before show hosts,
Trader Whiplash and Nuala Maracas made the official welcome. SL television
stalwarts, Saffia Widdershins and Elrik Merlinfrom the ever popular ‘Designing
Worlds’ show then took to the spotlight to announce the nominees and winners in
the SLIFEsection. The duo delighted the audience with their presentation skills
and witty repartee before handing the microphone over to SL singer, Chris Quan.
It was then my turn to announce the winners in the fashion section alongside
Frolic Mills, but a major technical hitch meant that Frolic was unable to log
into SL – or skype. With the clock ticking, and with only 20 seconds before the
fashion awards were due to be announced, the ever gallant Elrik Merlin leapt
onstage to help me host. The show must always go on!

The audience were then treated to the sweet singing
voice of SL performer, AleyKat, before the awards for the Arts were presented
by Jill MacKenzie and singer, LuvofMusicResident. Next, a singer who I haven’t
heard perform before, but who instantly gained me as a fangirl, took to the
stage – Luciano Lionheart. Luc sang a selection of hauntingly beautiful songs
that showcased his wide vocal range and dulcet tones – much to the delight of
the audience. Finally, show hosts Trader and Nuala wrapped up the very last AVI
Choice Awards by surprising Nikki Mathieson with her own much deserved tribute.
Nikki has played an integral part in all Relay For Life events over the years,
and if anyone in SL deserves public recognition for their fundraising
activities then surely it is her.

Photos: Austin Novaland

After the show, I asked Nikki what she hopes
the legacy of the AVI Choice Awards will be. “The awards have never been about
who is BEST,” she reflects. “It’s so unfair to try to judge 'best' in an
amazing world such as ours. I hope that our virtual community have gotten
the message that when you find a favorite or a piece of work that just fits you
so perfectly… take the time to let that creator know. Complaints in the
business world, online or not, are frequent. But, appreciation and
compliments not so much. We all need to just take the time to notice good
work and give acknowledgement for it. We could all stop being so critical
and start being appreciative and generous with our applause and gratitude.” As
I left the awards and prepared to log off for much needed sleep,
Nikki’s words resonated a great deal with me and made me realise that the AVI
Choice Awards may be over, but that their positive impact will always remain.